|
During 1985, some like minded Professors, Scientists / Engineers
and Technologists took note of the tremendous progress in the broad
area of Materials and Process Engineering, notably in the advanced
countries. It was also emphasized that this field is very relevant
to our country and deserves attention at all levels including planners.
Advance planning, commitment of large funds and implementation machinery
to be looked into. In this connection, it was felt desirable to
have some sort of an Association for thinking, planning and recommending
suitable measures to the concerned authorities.
While discussing about the formation of an Association or a Society,
some members brought to the notice about the existence of SAMPE -
International and its activities. It was also mentioned that SAMPE
meeting particularly in Europe / America are well attended and discussions
are focussed on the important issues. It was also mentioned that many
of the important discussion meetings are closed door and open to only
members of SAMPE. As such, the members felt that we should have our
own Association or society with some working relationship with SAMPE
- International.
 However,
our initial contacts and informal discussions with the office-bearers
of SAMPE-International received cold response and in particular their
initial appreciation of our work and progress in the field were not
encouraging. Under the circumstance, it was unanimously decided to
start our own society called Indian Society for Advancement of Materials
and Process Engineering (ISAMPE).
In this context, we should record the initiative and dedicated work
of Prof. A K Rao of Department of Aerospace, Indian Institute of Science,
Bangalore and Late Sri Vijay Zaveri of Messers Guli Enterprises, Bangalore
in founding the ISAMPE, during September 1985, with the main objective
of promoting Materials and Process Technology in the country and to
bring together Scientists, Engineers, Industrialists, Academicians
working in these areas. Prof A K Rao and Mr.Vijay Zaveri were proposed
to assume as the founder President and Secretary, respectively.
ISAMPE was formally inaugurated on 28th November 1985 by Prof
U R Rao, the then Chairman of Space Commission. The major thrust
of ISAMPE has been in the field of composites. Over the years it
has been organizing or co-sponsoring a number of conferences, seminars,
product exhibitions, workshops and technical lectures.
ISAMPE has currently more than 600 members with the main office
in Bangalore and having local chapters at Trivandrum, Bangalore
and Hyderabad.
ISAMPE has taken the initiative to organise ISAMPE National Conference
on Composites - INCCOM. The Trivandrum Chapter organised during
May 2002, the first INCOM with the theme - New  Frontiers
in Materials and Processing. The second in the series is being organised
during September 2003 by the Bangalore Chapter, with the theme-Advances
in Composites.
ISAMPE has conferred Honorary Membership of the Society on leading
personalities like Prof.CNR Rao, Dr.Raja Ramanna, Prof U R Rao,
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Prof A K Rao, Dr.C G Krishnadas Nair and Dr.Kota
Harinarayana.
To support, recongise and encourage talent in the field of Materials
and Process Technology in the country, ISAMPE has instituted the
following annual awards:
- Vijay Zaveri Award for Best Technician in the field of Composites
- Since 1993
- ISAMPE Award for Outstanding Design and Process Development - Since
1993
- K Suryanarayana Rao Memorial Awards in the field of Smart Technology
Development - with three awards and in this one for senior student
and the other one for Junior Student - Since 1999.
ISAMPE takes pride in having members actively involved in the state-of-art
technologies and also working for prestigious National Projects.
One of the important tasks taken by ISAMPE is to bring the FRP industries,
academicians and R&D institutions closer for mutual benefits.
 In
this connection, ISAMPE has recently joined hands with Dr.Ambedkar
Institute of Technology, in starting Vijay Zaveri Centre for Composites,
to train Technicians and also Engineers.
With renewed emphasis on self-reliance and challenging technological
scenario in the country, the tasks of ISAMPE are very challenging.
ISAMPE invites all Professionals and Industries to actively participate
in its activities and provide their valuable support in order to
effectively work towards its objectives.
|
